Why Do We Imprison Ourselves?

I remember when I was in my late teens and in my early twenties my view of Christianity was not much different from my view of a prison. I believed the life I was living was freedom. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. If I were to become a Christian and live according to its principles, I might as well walk into a prison cell, shut the door, and throw away the keys. Because of that, there was not a desire in me that wanted to be a Christian. However, during my time walking in “freedom” I was often confused. I didn’t know what kind of life philosophy to adopt. Should I follow my heart? Should I do what makes me happy? Should I always do what I want and disregard others around me? Those philosophies all makes sense because they’re all about me and who doesn’t love doing stuff that’s all about them, right?

Long story short, I found out those philosophies of life don’t really work. In fact Scripture refers to those lifestyles as darkness. They sometimes work for a season, but they always lead to failure. So, I ended up putting myself in the “prison” of Christianity in January of 2010. Here is what I’ve found out as I’ve reflected on my former life: we tend to think when we walk in darkness (sin) we are walking in freedom. However, what Jesus does is uncovers our eyes to see that darkness isn’t freedom but a prison. He frees us from selfishness, drunkenness, being conceited, false self-worth, sexual immorality, and everything else we believe will fulfill the longings of our heart, make us happy, or fulfill our want to be self-centered. He came that we not remain in that darkness, but He breaks us from it to walk with Him in light (truth). Listen to what John says at the first of his gospel:

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it” (John 1:5, ESV)

The light is Jesus Christ. He is the light that shines on the darkness that covers our hearts. He is the one that recovers our sight, who heals our brokenness and who breaks us out of the prison of darkness.

One day as Jesus was in his hometown he went to church and stood up in front of everyone and read a passage of Scripture. Here is what he said:

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me,
because He has anointed Me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent Me
to proclaim freedom to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” (Luke 4:18-21, HCSB)

Jesus came to give us the good news of his life, death and resurrection. He came to set us free. He came to uncover our eyes and see truth. Jesus is the light that shines upon the darkness of our own hearts. The reality is, this isn’t just good news for the sinner, it’s good news for the saint. I need Christ to shine the light of truth on the rebellion of my heart everyday. I need him to break me out of the prison I put myself in. So whether you’re a saint or a sinner, allow Jesus to shine his light on the darkness of your heart. Allow Him to set you free.

Find out how here.